Coyote kills continue to cost local farmers – and local taxpayers.
It seems the processing of coyote kill claims is not only a regular occurrence, but something being addressed more frequently than ever in Wellington North Township.
On Aug. 9, councillors looked through 20 pages worth of documents in their agenda packages regarding the most recent kills.
Those documents included Livestock Valuer reports and photos.
More disturbing is the loss of over $1,500 worth of livestock in under a two-week period, and six claims.
Only some of the claims were approved. The claims received included:
– July 16, Peter Murray, $545;
– July 24, Peter Murray, $153;
– July 21, Angela Seifried, $103.80;
– July 13, John Manion, $525;
– July 25, Neil Kaminski – $200; and
– July 22, Baron Paray (insufficient evidence for valuer to make a determination.
In addition to the claims, council pays a $75 fee per report from the livestock valuer, plus mileage.
In reports to council, livestock valuer Gord Flewelling said the risk of predation is high and increasing in the area.
Councillor Dan Yake said council has discussed the claim issue in the past, many times.
“But it seems to be getting worse. This is the most number of claims we’ve had in one night.”
He asked if council or the farming community is doing anything to address the issue, “Or are we just going to let this carry on – paying livestock claims and paying valuators.”
CAO/Clerk Lori Heinbuch said each of the claims does provide recommendations to property owners in regards to fencing and other ways to better protect livestock.
Heinbuch added that the claim amounts are paid back to the municipality through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. She noted council at one time had discussed a bounty. Bounties do exist in the Huron and Grey Counties, but the cost of those is significant.
She understood the bounty costs in Grey County and Huron County were fairly substantial.
“These claims aren’t even close to that.”
She agreed Wellington North has a problem with coyotes.
“The Ministry of Natural Resources and OMAFRA are aware of this.”
Yake said it just seems like every meeting more livestock claims are coming in. “I know the money is paid back through OMAFRA, but the money still has to come from somewhere.”
At the same time, Yake said “I don’t have the solution and I don’t think anybody does.”
Councillor John Matusinec wondered if the township should contact the MNR?once again by letter.
Matusinec said, “The last response was a joke.”
He mentioned a recommendation that if a person is confronted a coyote, to walk backwards.
“I’m going to run like hell,” he said. “The nonsense that they give us does not address the coyote problem in the area.”
Whether the MNR wants to trap them or just move them out of the area, “We can’t just go on paying these claims.”
He agreed with Yake’s assessment there seems to be more claims every meeting.
Matusinec believes another letter should be sent stating that something needs to be done to address the problem.
Council agreed.
